1988 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL BILLS
OF EXCHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL PROMISSORY NOTES
Adopted in New York, USA on 9 December 1988
[http://www.uncitral.org/pdf/english/texts/payments/billsnotes/X_12_e.pdf]
CHAPTER I SPHERE OF APPLICATION AND FORM OF THE INSTRUMENT .................. 5
Article 1 ..................................................................................................................... 5
Article 2 ..................................................................................................................... 5
Article 3 ..................................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER II INTERPRETATION.......................................................................................... 6
Section 1 General Provisions ......................................................................................... 6
Article 4 ..................................................................................................................... 6
Article 5 ..................................................................................................................... 6
Article 6 ..................................................................................................................... 7
Section 2 Interpretation of Formal Requirements ......................................................... 7
Article 7 ..................................................................................................................... 7
Article 8 ..................................................................................................................... 7
Article 9 ..................................................................................................................... 8
Article 10 ................................................................................................................... 9
Article 11 ................................................................................................................... 9
Section 3 Completion of an Incomplete Instrument ...................................................... 9
Article 12 ................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER III TRANSFER .................................................................................................. 10
Article 13 ................................................................................................................. 10
Article 14 ................................................................................................................. 10
Article 15 ................................................................................................................. 10
Article 16 ................................................................................................................. 10
Article 17 ................................................................................................................. 11
Article 18 ................................................................................................................. 11
Article 19 ................................................................................................................. 11
Article 20 ................................................................................................................. 11
Article 21 ................................................................................................................. 11
Article 22 ................................................................................................................. 12
Article 23 ................................................................................................................. 12
Article 24 ................................................................................................................. 12
Article 25 ................................................................................................................. 12
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Article 26 ................................................................................................................. 13
CHAPTER IV RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES .......................................................................... 13
Section 1 The Rights of a Holder and of a Protected Holder ...................................... 13
Article 27 ................................................................................................................. 13
Article 28 ................................................................................................................. 13
Article 29 ................................................................................................................. 14
Article 30 ................................................................................................................. 14
Article 31 ................................................................................................................. 15
Article 32 ................................................................................................................. 15
Section 2 Liabilities of the Parties ................................................................................ 15
A. General Provisions ................................................................................................ 15
Article 33 ................................................................................................................. 15
Article 34 ................................................................................................................. 15
Article 35 ................................................................................................................. 16
Article 36 ................................................................................................................. 16
Article 37 ................................................................................................................. 16
B. The Drawer ............................................................................................................. 17
Article 38 ................................................................................................................. 17
C. The Maker .............................................................................................................. 17
Article 39 ................................................................................................................. 17
D. The Drawee and the Acceptor .............................................................................. 17
Article 40 ................................................................................................................. 17
Article 41 ................................................................................................................. 17
Article 42 ................................................................................................................. 17
Article 43 ................................................................................................................. 18
E. The Endorser ......................................................................................................... 18
Article 44 ................................................................................................................. 18
F. The Transferor by Endorsement or by Mere Delivery ......................................... 19
Article 45 ................................................................................................................. 19
G. The Guarantor ....................................................................................................... 19
Article 46 ................................................................................................................. 19
Article 47 ................................................................................................................. 20
Article 48 ................................................................................................................. 21
CHAPTER V PRESENTMENT, DISHONOUR BY NON-ACCEPTANCE OR NONPAYMENT, AND RECOURSE ............................................................................................ 21
Section 1 Presentment for Acceptance and Dishonour by Non-acceptance ............ 21
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Article 49 ................................................................................................................. 21
Article 50 ................................................................................................................. 21
Article 51 ................................................................................................................. 21
Article 52 ................................................................................................................. 22
Article 53 ................................................................................................................. 22
Article 54 ................................................................................................................. 22
Section 2 Presentment for Payment and Dishonour by Non-payment ...................... 23
Article 55 ................................................................................................................. 23
Article 56 ................................................................................................................. 24
Article 57 ................................................................................................................. 24
Article 58 ................................................................................................................. 25
Section 3 Recourse ....................................................................................................... 25
Article 59 ................................................................................................................. 25
A. Protest .................................................................................................................... 25
Article 60 ................................................................................................................. 25
Article 61 ................................................................................................................. 26
Article 62 ................................................................................................................. 26
Article 63 ................................................................................................................. 26
B. Notice of Dishonour .............................................................................................. 27
Article 64 ................................................................................................................. 27
Article 65 ................................................................................................................. 27
Article 66 ................................................................................................................. 27
Article 67 ................................................................................................................. 27
Article 68 ................................................................................................................. 28
Section 4 Amount payable ............................................................................................ 28
Article 69 ................................................................................................................. 28
Article 70 ................................................................................................................. 28
Article 71 ................................................................................................................. 29
CHAPTER VI DISCHARGE ................................................................................................ 29
Section 1 Discharge by Payment ................................................................................. 29
Article 72 ................................................................................................................. 29
Article 73 ................................................................................................................. 30
Article 74 ................................................................................................................. 31
Article 75 ................................................................................................................. 31
Article 76 ................................................................................................................. 32
Section 2 Discharge of Other Parties ........................................................................... 32
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Article 77 ................................................................................................................. 32
CHAPTER VII LOST INSTRUMENTS ................................................................................ 33
Article 78 ................................................................................................................. 33
Article 79 ................................................................................................................. 33
Article 80 ................................................................................................................. 34
Article 81 ................................................................................................................. 34
Article 82 ................................................................................................................. 34
Article 83 ................................................................................................................. 34
CHAPTER VIII LIMITATION (PRESCRIPTION) ................................................................. 35
Article 84 ................................................................................................................. 35
CHAPTER IX FINAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................... 35
Article 85 ................................................................................................................. 35
Article 86 ................................................................................................................. 35
Article 87 ................................................................................................................. 36
Article 88 ................................................................................................................. 36
Article 89 ................................................................................................................. 36
Article 90 ................................................................................................................. 36
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CHAPTER I SPHERE OF APPLICATION AND FORM OF THE
INSTRUMENT
Article 1
(1) This Convention applies to an international bill of exchange when it contains the heading
"International bill of exchange (UNCITRAL Convention)" and also contains in its text the
words "International bill of exchange (UNCITRAL Convention)".
(2) This Convention applies to an international promissory note when it contains the heading
"International promissory note (UNCITRAL Convention)" and also contains in its text the
words "International promissory note (UNCITRAL Convention)".
(3) This Convention does not apply to cheques.
Article 2
(1) An international bill of exchange is a bill of exchange which specifies at least two of the
following places and indicates that any two so specified are situated in different States:
(a) The place where the bill is drawn;
(b) The place indicated next to the signature of the drawer;
(c) The place indicated next to the name of the drawee;
(d) The place indicated next to the name of the payee;
(e) The place of payment:
provided that either the place where the bill is drawn or the place of payment is specified on
the bill and that such place is situated in a Contracting State.
(2) An international promissory note is a promissory note which specifies at least two of the
following places and indicates that any two so specified are situated in different States:
(a) The place where the note is made;
(b) The place indicated next to the signature of the maker;
(c) The place indicated next to the name of the payee;
(d) The place of payment:
provided that the place of payment is specified on the note and that such place is situated in
a Contracting State.
(3) This Convention does not deal with the question of sanctions that may be imposed under
national law in cases where an incorrect or false statement has been made on an instrument
in respect of a place referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) of this article. However, any such
sanctions shall not affect the validity of the instrument or the application of this Convention.
Article 3
(1) A bill of exchange is a written instrument which:
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(a) Contains an unconditional order whereby the drawer directs the drawee to pay a
definite sum of money to the payee or to his order;
(b) Is payable on demand or at a definite time;
(c) Is dated;
(d) Is signed by the drawer.
(2) A promissory note is a written instrument which:
(a) Contains an unconditional promise whereby the maker undertakes to pay a definite
sum of money to the payee or to his order;
(b) Is payable on demand or at a definite time;
(c) Is dated;
(d) Is signed by the maker.
CHAPTER II INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 4
In the interpretation of this Convention, regard is to be had to its international character and
to the need to promote uniformity in its application and the observance of good faith in
international transactions.
Article 5
In this Convention:
(a) "Bill" means an international bill of exchange governed by this Convention;
(b) "Note" means an international promissory note governed by this Convention;
(c) "Instrument" means a bill or a note;
(d) "Drawee" means a person on whom a bill is drawn and who has not accepted it;
(e) "Payee" means a person in whose favour the drawer directs payment to be made or to
whom the maker promises to pay;
(f) "Holder" means a person in possession of an instrument in accordance with article 15;
(g) "Protected holder" means a holder who meets the requirements of article 29;
(h) "Guarantor" means any person who undertakes an obligation of guarantee under article
46, whether governed by subparagraph (b) ("guaranteed") or subparagraph (c) ("aval") of
paragraph (4) of article 47;
(i) "Party" means a person who has signed an instrument as drawer, maker, acceptor,
endorser or guarantor;
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(j) "Maturity" means the time of payment referred to in paragraphs (4), (5), (6) and (7) of
article 9;
(k) "Signature" means a handwritten signature, its facsimile or an equivalent authentication
effected by any other means; "forged signature" includes a signature by the wrongful use of
such means;
(l) "Money" or "currency" includes a monetary unit of account which is established by an
intergovernmental institution or by agreement between two or more States, provided that this
Convention shall apply without prejudice to the rules of the intergovernmental institution or to
the stipulations of the agreement.
Article 6
For the purposes of this Convention, a person is considered to have knowledge of a fact if
he has actual knowledge of that fact or could not have been unaware of its existence.
SECTION 2 INTERPRETATION OF FORMAL REQUIREMENTS
Article 7
The sum payable by an instrument is deemed to be a definite sum although the instrument
states that it is to be paid:
(a) With interest;
(b) By instalment at successive dates;
(c) By instalments at successive dates with a stipulation in the instrument that upon default
in payment of any instalment the unpaid balance becomes due;
(d) According to a rate of exchange indicated in the instrument or to be determined as
directed by the instrument; or
(e) In a currency other than the currency in which the sum is expressed in the instrument.
Article 8
(1) If there is a discrepancy between the sum expressed in words and the sum expressed in
figures, the sum payable by the instrument is the sum expressed in words.
(2) If the sum is expressed more than once in words, and there is a discrepancy, the sum
payable is the smaller sum. The same rule applies if the sum is expressed more than once in
figures only, and there is a discrepancy.
(3) If the sum is expressed in a currency having the same description as that of at least one
other State than the State where payment is to be made, as indicated in the instrument, and
the specified currency is not identified as the currency of any particular State, the currency is
to be considered as the currency of the State where payment is to be made.
(4) If an instrument states that the sum is to be paid with interest, without specifying the date
from which interest is to run, interest runs from the date of the instrument.
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(5) A stipulation stating that the sum is to be paid with interest is deemed not to have been
written on the instrument unless it indicates the rate at which interest is to be paid.
(6) A rate at which interest is to be paid may be expressed either as a definite rate or as a
variable rate. For a variable rate to qualify for this purpose, it must vary in relation to one or
more reference rates of interest in accordance with provisions stipulated in the instrument
and each such reference rate must be published or otherwise available to the public and not
be subject, directly or indirectly, to unilateral determination by a person who is named in the
instrument at the time the bill is drawn or the note is made, unless the person is named only
in the reference rate provisions.
(7) If the rate at which interest is to be paid is expressed as a variable rate, it may be
stipulated expressly in the instrument that such rate shall not be less than or exceed a
specified rate of interest, or that the variations are otherwise limited.
(8) If a variable rate does not qualify under paragraph (6) of this article or for any reason it is
not possible to determine the numerical value of the variable rate for any period, interest
shall be payable for the relevant period at the rate calculated in accordance with paragraph
(2) of article 70.
Article 9
(1) An instrument is deemed to be payable on demand:
(a) If it states that it is payable at sight or on demand or on presentment or if it contains
words of similar import; or
(b) If no time of payment is expressed.
(2) An instrument payable at a definite time which is accepted or endorsed or guaranteed
after maturity is an instrument payable on demand as regards the acceptor, the endorser or
the guarantor.
(3) An instrument is deemed to be payable at a definite time if it states that it is payable:
(a) On a stated date or at a fixed period after a stated date or at a fixed period after the
date of the instrument; or
(b) At a fixed period after sight; or
(c) By instalments at successive dates; or
(d) By instalments at successive dates with the stipulation in the instrument that upon
default in payment of any instalment the unpaid balance becomes due.
(4) The time of payment of an instrument payable at a fixed period after date is determined
by reference to the date of the instrument.
(5) The time of payment of a bill payable at a fixed period after sight is determined by the
date of acceptance or, if the bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance, by the date of protest or,
if protest is dispensed with, by the date of dishonour.
(6) The time of payment of an instrument payable on demand is the date on which the
instrument is presented for payment.
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(7) The time of payment of a note payable at a fixed period after sight is determined by the
date of the visa signed by the maker on the note or, if his visa is refused, by the date of
presentment.
(8) If an instrument is drawn, or made, payable one or more months after a stated date or
after the date of the instrument or after sight, the instrument is payable on the corresponding
date of the month when payment must be made. If there is no corresponding date, the
instrument is payable on the last day of that month.
Article 10
(1) A bill may be drawn:
(a) By two or more drawers;
(b) Payable to two or more payees.
(2) A note may be made:
(a) By two or more makers;
(b) Payable to two or more payees.
(3) If an instrument is payable to two or more payees in the alternative, it is payable to any
one of them and any one of them in possession of the instrument may exercise the rights of
a holder. In any other case the instrument is payable to all of them and the rights of a holder
may be exercised only by all of them.
Article 11
A bill may be drawn by the drawer:
(a) On himself;
(b) Payable to his order.
SECTION 3 COMPLETION OF AN INCOMPLETE INSTRUMENT
Article 12
(1) An incomplete instrument which satisfies the requirements set out in paragraph (1) of
article 1 and bears the signature of the drawer or the acceptance of the drawee, or which
satisfies the requirements set out in paragraph (2) of article 1 and subparagraph (d) of
paragraph (2) of article 3, but which lacks other elements pertaining to one or more of the
requirements set out in articles 2 and 3, may be completed, and the instrument so completed
is effective as a bill or a note.
(2) If such an instrument is completed without authority or otherwise than in accordance with
the authority given:
(a) A party who signed the instrument before the completion may invoke such lack of
authority as a defence against a holder who had knowledge of such lack of authority
when he became a holder;
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(b) A party who signed the instrument after the completion is liable according to the
terms of the instrument so completed.
CHAPTER III TRANSFER
Article 13
An instrument is transferred:
(a) By endorsement and delivery of the instrument by the endorser to the endorsee; or
(b) By mere delivery of the instrument if the last endorsement is in blank.
Article 14
(1) An endorsement must be written on the instrument or on a slip affixed thereto ("allonge").
It must be signed.
(2) An endorsement may be:
(a) In blank, that is, by a signature alone or by a signature accompanied by a statement
to the effect that the instrument is payable to a person in possession of it;
(b) Special, that is, by a signature accompanied by an indication of the person to whom
the instrument is payable.
(3) A signature alone, other than that of the drawee, is an endorsement only if placed on the
back of the instrument.
Article 15
(1) A person is a holder if he is:
(a) The payee in possession of the instrument; or
(b) In possession of an instrument which has been endorsed to him, or on which the last
endorsement is in blank, and on which there appears an uninterrupted series of
endorsements, even if any endorsement was forged or was signed by an agent without
authority.
(2) If an endorsement in blank is followed by another endorsement, the person who signed
this last endorsement is deemed to be an endorsee by the endorsement in blank.
(3) A person is not prevented from being a holder by the fact that the instrument was
obtained by him or any previous holder under circumstances, including incapacity or fraud,
duress or mistake of any kind, that would give rise to a claim to, or a defence against liability
on, the instrument.
Article 16
The holder of an instrument on which the last endorsement is in blank may:
(a) Further endorse it either by an endorsement in blank or by a special endorsement; or
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(b) Convert the blank endorsement into a special endorsement by indicating in the
endorsement that the instrument is payable to himself or to some other specified person; or
(c) Transfer the instrument in accordance with subparagraph (b) of article 13.
Article 17
(1) If the drawer or the maker has inserted in the instrument such words as "not negotiable",
"not transferable", "not to order", "pay (X) only", or words of similar import, the instrument
may not be transferred except for purposes of collection, and any endorsement, even if it
does not contain words authorizing the endorsee to collect the instrument, is deemed to be
an endorsement for collection.
(2) If an endorsement contains the words "not negotiable", "not transferable", "not to order",
"pay (X) only", or words of similar import, the instrument may not be transferred further
except for purposes of collection, and any subsequent endorsement, even if it does not
contain words authorizing the endorsee to collect the instrument, is deemed to be an
endorsement for collection.
Article 18
(1) An endorsement must be unconditional.
(2) A conditional endorsement transfers the instrument whether or not the condition is
fulfilled. The condition is ineffective as to those parties and transferees who are subsequent
to the endorsee.
Article 19
An endorsement in respect of a part of the sum due under the instrument is ineffective as an
endorsement.
Article 20
If there are two or more endorsements, it is presumed, unless the contrary is proved, that
each endorsement was made in the order in which it appears on the instrument.
Article 21
(1) If an endorsement contains the words "for collection", "for deposit", "value in collection",
"by procuration", "pay any bank", or words of similar import authorizing the endorsee to
collect the instrument, the endorsee is a holder who:
(a) May exercise all rights arising out of the instrument;
(b) May endorse the instrument only for purposes of collection;
(c) Is subject only to the claims and defences which may be set up against the endorser.
(2) The endorser for collection is not liable on the instrument to any subsequent holder.
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Article 22
(1) If an endorsement contains the words "value in security", "value in pledge", or any other
words indicating a pledge, the endorsee is a holder who:
(a) May exercise all rights arising out of the instrument;
(b) May endorse the instrument only for purposes of collection;
(c) Is subject only to the claims and defences specified in article 28 or 30.
(2) If such an endorsee endorses for collection, he is not liable on the instrument to any
subsequent holder.
Article 23
The holder of an instrument may transfer it to a prior party or to the drawee in accordance
with article 13; however, if the transferee has previously been a holder of the instrument, no
endorsement is required, and any endorsement which would prevent him from qualifying as
a holder may be struck out.
Article 24
An instrument may be transferred in accordance with article 13 after maturity, except by the
drawee, the acceptor or the maker.
Article 25
(1) If an endorsement is forged, the person whose endorsement is forged, or a party who
signed the instrument before the forgery, has the right to recover compensation for any
damage that he may have suffered because of the forgery against:
(a) The forger;
(b) The person to whom the instrument was directly transferred by the forger;
(c) A party or the drawee who paid the instrument to the forger directly or through one or
more endorsees for collection.
(2) However, an endorsee for collection is not liable under paragraph (1) of this article if he is
without knowledge of the forgery:
(a) At the time he pays the principal or advises him of the receipt of payment, or
(b) At the time he receives payment, if this is later, unless his lack of knowledge is due to
his failure to act in good faith or to exercise reasonable care.
(3) Furthermore, a party or the drawee who pays an instrument is not liable under paragraph
(1) of this article if, at the time he pays the instrument, he is without knowledge of the
forgery, unless his lack of knowledge is due to his failure to act in good faith or to exercise
reasonable care.
(4) Except as against the forger, the damages recoverable under paragraph (1) of this article
may not exceed the amount referred to in article 70 or 71.
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Article 26
(1) If an endorsement is made by an agent without authority or power to bind his principal in
the matter, the principal, or a party who signed the instrument before such endorsement, has
the right to recover compensation for any damage that he may have suffered because of
such endorsement against:
(a) The agent;
(b) The person to whom the instrument was directly transferred by the agent;
(c) A party or the drawee who paid the instrument to the agent directly or through one or
more endorsees for collection.
(2) However, an endorsee for collection is not liable under paragraph (1) of this article if he is
without knowledge that the endorsement does not bind the principal:
(a) At the time he pays the principal or advises him of the receipt of payment, or
(b) At the time he receives payment, if this is later, unless his lack of knowledge is due to
his failure to act in good faith or to exercise reasonable care.
(3) Furthermore, a party or the drawee who pays an instrument is not liable under paragraph
(1) of this article if, at the time he pays the instrument, he is without knowledge that the
endorsement does not bind the principal, unless his lack of knowledge is due to his failure to
act in good faith or to exercise reasonable care.
(4) Except as against the agent, the damages recoverable under paragraph (1) of this article
may not exceed the amount referred to in article 70 or 71.
CHAPTER IV RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES
SECTION 1 THE RIGHTS OF A HOLDER AND OF A PROTECTED HOLDER
Article 27
(1) The holder of an instrument has all the rights conferred on him by this Convention
against the parties to the instrument.
(2) The holder may transfer the instrument in accordance with article 13.
Article 28
(1) A party may set up against a holder who is not a protected holder:
(a) Any defence that may be set up against a protected holder in accordance with
paragraph (1) of article 30;
(b) Any defence based on the underlying transaction between himself and the drawer or
between himself and his transferee, but only if the holder took the instrument with
knowledge of such defence or if he obtained the instrument by fraud or theft or
participated at any time in a fraud or theft concerning it;
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(c) Any defence arising from the circumstances as a result of which he became a party,
but only if the holder took the instrument with knowledge of such defence or if he
obtained the instrument by fraud or theft or participated at any time in a fraud or theft
concerning it;
(d) Any defence which may be raised against an action in contract between himself and
the holder;
(e) Any other defence available under this Convention.
(2) The rights to an instrument of a holder who is not a protected holder are subject to any
valid claim to the instrument on the part of any person, but only if he took the instrument with
knowledge of such claim or if he obtained the instrument by fraud or theft or participated at
any time in a fraud or theft concerning it.
(3) A holder who takes an instrument after the expiration of the time-limit for presentment for
payment is subject to any claim to, or defence against liability on, the instrument to which his
transferor is subject.
(4) A party may not raise as a defence against a holder who is not a protected holder the fact
that a third person has a claim to the instrument unless:
(a) The third person asserted a valid claim to the instrument; or
(b) The holder acquired the instrument by theft or forged the signature of the payee or an
endorsee, or participated in the theft or the forgery.
Article 29
"Protected holder" means the holder of an instrument which was complete when he took it or
which was incomplete within the meaning of paragraph (1) of article 12 and was completed
in accordance with authority given, provided that when he became a holder:
(a) He was without knowledge of a defence against liability on the instrument referred to in
subparagraphs (a), (b), (c) and (e) of paragraph (1) of article 28;
(b) He was without knowledge of a valid claim to the instrument of any person;
(c) He was without knowledge of the fact that it had been dishonoured by non-acceptance or
by non-payment;
(d) The time-limit provided by article 55 for presentment of that instrument for payment had
not expired; and
(e) He did not obtain the instrument by fraud or theft or participate in a fraud or theft
concerning it.
Article 30
(1) A party may not set up against a protected holder any defence except:
(a) Defences under articles 33 (1), 34, 35 (1), 36 (3), 53 (1), 57 (1), 63 (1) and 84 of this
Convention;
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(b) Defences based on the underlying transaction between himself and such holder or
arising from any fraudulent act on the part of such holder in obtaining the signature on
the instrument of that party;
(c) Defences based on his incapacity to incur liability on the instrument or on the fact that
he signed without knowledge that his signature made him a party to the instrument,
provided that his lack of knowledge was not due to his negligence and provided that he
was fraudulently induced so to sign.
(2) The rights to an instrument of a protected holder are not subject to any claim to the
instrument on the part of any person, except a valid claim arising from the underlying
transaction between himself and the person by whom the claim is raised.
Article 31
(1) The transfer of an instrument by a protected holder vests in any subsequent holder the
rights to and on the instrument which the protected holder had.
(2) Those rights are not vested in a subsequent holder if:
(a) He participated in a transaction which gives rise to a claim to, or a defence against
liability on, the instrument;
(b) He has previously been a holder, but not a protected holder.
Article 32
Every holder is presumed to be a protected holder unless the contrary is proved.
SECTION 2 LIABILITIES OF THE PARTIES
A. General Provisions
Article 33
(1) Subject to the provisions of articles 34 and 36, a person is not liable on an instrument
unless he signs it.
(2) A person who signs an instrument in a name which is not his own is liable as if he had
signed it in his own name.
Article 34
A forged signature on an instrument does not impose any liability on the person whose
signature was forged. However, if he consents to be bound by the forged signature or
represents that it is his own, he is liable as if he had signed the instrument himself.
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Article 35
(1) If an instrument is materially altered:
(a) A party who signs it after the material alteration is liable according to the terms of the
altered text;
(b) A party who signs it before the material alteration is liable according to the terms of
the original text. However, if a party makes, authorizes or assents to a material
alteration, he is liable according to the terms of the altered text.
(2) A signature is presumed to have been placed on the instrument after the material
alteration unless the contrary is proved.
(3) Any alteration is material which modifies the written undertaking on the instrument of any
party in any respect.
Article 36
(1) An instrument may be signed by an agent.
(2) The signature of an agent placed by him on an instrument with the authority of his
principal and showing on the instrument that he is signing in a representative capacity for
that named principal, or the signature of a principal placed on the instrument by an agent
with his authority, imposes liability on the principal and not on the agent.
(3) A signature placed on an instrument by a person as agent but who lacks authority to sign
or exceeds his authority, or by an agent who has authority to sign but who does not show on
the instrument that he is signing in a representative capacity for a named person, or who
shows on the instrument that he is signing in a representative capacity but does not name
the person whom he represents, imposes liability on the person signing and not on the
person whom he purports to represent.
(4) The question whether a signature was placed on the instrument in a representative
capacity may be determined only by reference to what appears on the instrument.
(5) A person who is liable pursuant to paragraph (3) of this article and who pays the
instrument has the same rights as the person for whom he purported to act would have had
if that person had paid the instrument.
Article 37
The order to pay contained in a bill does not of itself operate as an assignment to the payee
of funds made available for payment by the drawer with the drawee.
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B. The Drawer
Article 38
(1) The drawer engages that upon dishonour of the bill by non-acceptance or by nonpayment, and upon any necessary protest, he will pay the bill to the holder, or to any
endorser or any endorser's guarantor who takes up and pays the bill.
(2) The drawer may exclude or limit his own liability for acceptance or for payment by an
express stipulation in the bill. Such a stipulation is effective only with respect to the drawer. A
stipulation excluding or limiting liability for payment is effective only if another party is or
becomes liable on the bill.
C. The Maker
Article 39
(1) The maker engages that he will pay the note in accordance with its terms to the holder,
or to any party who takes up and pays the note.
(2) The maker may not exclude or limit his own liability by a stipulation in the note. Any such
stipulation is ineffective.
D. The Drawee and the Acceptor
Article 40
(1) The drawee is not liable on a bill until he accepts it.
(2) The acceptor engages that he will pay the bill in accordance with the terms of his
acceptance to the holder, or to any party who takes up and pays the bill.
Article 41
(1) An acceptance must be written on the bill and may be effected:
(a) By the signature of the drawee accompanied by the word "accepted" or by words of
similar import; or
(b) By the signature alone of the drawee.
(2) An acceptance may be written on the front or on the back of the bill.
Article 42
(1) An incomplete bill which satisfies the requirements set out in paragraph (1) of article 1
may be accepted by the drawee before it has been signed by the drawer, or while otherwise
incomplete.
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(2) A bill may be accepted before, at or after maturity, or after it has been dishonoured by
non-acceptance or by non-payment.
(3) If a bill drawn payable at a fixed period after sight, or a bill which must be presented for
acceptance before a specified date, is accepted, the acceptor must indicate the date of his
acceptance; failing such indication by the acceptor, the drawer or the holder may insert the
date of acceptance.
(4) If a bill drawn payable at a fixed period after sight is dishonoured by non-acceptance and
the drawee subsequently accepts it, the holder is entitled to have the acceptance dated as of
the date on which the bill was dishonoured.
Article 43
(1) An acceptance must be unqualified. An acceptance is qualified if it is conditional or varies
the terms of the bill.
(2) If the drawee stipulates in the bill that his acceptance is subject to qualification:
(a) He is nevertheless bound according to the terms of his qualified acceptance;
(b) The bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance.
(3) An acceptance relating to only a part of the sum payable is a qualified acceptance. If the
holder takes such an acceptance, the bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance only as to the
remaining part.
(4) An acceptance indicating that payment will be made at a particular address or by a
particular agent is not a qualified acceptance, provided that:
(a) The place in which payment is to be made is not changed;
(b) The bill is not drawn payable by another agent.
E. The Endorser
Article 44
(1) The endorser engages that upon dishonour of the instrument by non-acceptance or by
non-payment, and upon any necessary protest, he will pay the instrument to the holder, or to
any subsequent endorser or any endorser's guarantor who takes up and pays the
instrument.
(2) An endorser may exclude or limit his own liability by an express stipulation in the
instrument. Such a stipulation is effective only with respect to that endorser.
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F. The Transferor by Endorsement or by Mere Delivery
Article 45
(1) Unless otherwise agreed, a person who transfers an instrument, by endorsement and
delivery or by mere delivery, represents to the holder to whom he transfers the instrument
that:
(a) The instrument does not bear any forged or unauthorized signature;
(b) The instrument has not been materially altered;
(c) At the time of transfer, he has no knowledge of any fact which would impair the right
of the transferee to payment of the instrument against the acceptor of a bill or, in the
case of an unaccepted bill, the drawer, or against the maker of a note.
(2) Liability of the transferor under paragraph (1) of this article is incurred only if the
transferee took the instrument without knowledge of the matter giving rise to such liability.
(3) If the transferor is liable under paragraph (1) of this article, the transferee may recover,
even before maturity, the amount paid by him to the transferor, with interest calculated in
accordance with article 70, against return of the instrument.
G. The Guarantor
Article 46
(1) Payment of an instrument, whether or not it has been accepted, may be guaranteed, as
to the whole or part of its amount, for the account of a party or the drawee. A guarantee may
be given by any person, who may or may not already be a party.
(2) A guarantee must be written on the instrument or on a slip affixed thereto ("allonge").
(3) A guarantee is expressed by the words "guaranteed", "aval", "good as aval" or words of
similar import, accompanied by the signature of the guarantor. For the purposes of this
Convention, the words "prior endorsements guaranteed" or words of similar import do not
constitute a guarantee.
(4) A guarantee may be effected by a signature alone on the front of the instrument. A
signature alone on the front of the instrument, other than that of the maker, the drawer or the
drawee, is a guarantee.
(5) A guarantor may specify the person for whom he has become guarantor. In the absence
of such specification, the person for whom he has become guarantor is the acceptor or the
drawee in the case of a bill, and the maker in the case of a note.
(6) A guarantor may not raise as a defence to his liability the fact that he signed the
instrument before it was signed by the person for whom he is a guarantor, or while the
instrument was incomplete.
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Article 47
(1) The liability of a guarantor on the instrument is of the same nature as that of the party for
whom he has become guarantor.
(2) If the person for whom he has become guarantor is the drawee, the guarantor engages:
(a) To pay the bill at maturity to the holder, or to any party who takes up and pays the
bill;
(b) If the bill is payable at a definite time, upon dishonour by non-acceptance and upon
any necessary protest, to pay it to the holder, or to any party who takes up and pays the
bill.
(3) In respect of defences that are personal to himself, a guarantor may set up:
(a) Against a holder who is not a protected holder only those defences which he may set
up under paragraphs (1), (3) and (4) of article 28;
(b) Against a protected holder only those defences which he may set up under
paragraph (1) of article 30.
(4) In respect of defences that may be raised by the person for whom he has become a
guarantor:
(a) A guarantor may set up against a holder who is not a protected holder only those
defences which the person for whom he has become a guarantor may set up against
such holder under paragraphs (1), (3) and (4) of article 28;
(b) A guarantor who expresses his guarantee by the words "guaranteed", "payment
guaranteed" or "collection guaranteed", or words of similar import, may set up against a
protected holder only those defences which the person for whom he has become a
guarantor may set up against a protected holder under paragraph (1) of article 30;
(c) A guarantor who expresses his guarantee by the words "aval" or "good as aval" may
set up against a protected holder only:
(i) The defence, under subparagraph (b) of paragraph (1) of article 30, that the
protected holder obtained the signature on the instrument of the person for whom he
has become a guarantor by a fraudulent act;
(ii) The defence, under article 53 or 57, that the instrument was not presented for
acceptance or for payment;
(iii) The defence, under article 63, that the instrument was not duly protested for nonacceptance or for non-payment;
(iv) The defence, under article 84, that a right of action may no longer be exercised
against the person for whom he has become guarantor;
(d) A guarantor who is not a bank or other financial institution and who expresses his
guarantee by a signature alone may set up against a protected holder only the defences
referred to in subparagraph (b) of this paragraph;
(e) A guarantor which is a bank or other financial institution and which expresses its
guarantee by a signature alone may set up against a protected holder only the defences
referred to in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph.
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Article 48
(1) Payment of an instrument by the guarantor in accordance, with article 72 discharges the
party for whom he became guarantor of his liability on the instrument to the extent of the
amount paid.
(2) The guarantor who pays the instrument may recover from the party for whom he has
become guarantor and from the parties who are liable on it to that party the amount paid and
any interest.
CHAPTER V PRESENTMENT, DISHONOUR BY NON-ACCEPTANCE
OR NON-PAYMENT, AND RECOURSE
SECTION 1 PRESENTMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE AND DISHONOUR BY NONACCEPTANCE
Article 49
(1) A bill may be presented for acceptance.
(2) A bill must be presented for acceptance:
(a) If the drawer has stipulated in the bill that it must be presented for acceptance;
(b) If the bill is payable at a fixed period after sight; or
(c) If the bill is payable elsewhere than at the residence or place of business of the
drawee, unless it is payable on demand.
Article 50
(1) The drawer may stipulate in the bill that it must not be presented for acceptance before a
specified date or before the occurrence of a specified event. Except where a bill must be
presented for acceptance under subparagraph (b) or (c) of paragraph (2) of article 49, the
drawer may stipulate that it must not be presented for acceptance.
(2) If a bill is presented for acceptance notwithstanding a stipulation permitted under
paragraph (1) of this article and acceptance is refused, the bill is not thereby dishonoured.
(3) If the drawee accepts a bill notwithstanding a stipulation that it must not be presented for
acceptance, the acceptance is effective.
Article 51
A bill is duly presented for acceptance if it is presented in accordance with the following
rules:
(a) The holder must present the bill to the drawee on a business day at a reasonable hour;
(b) Presentment for acceptance may be made to a person or authority other than the drawee
if that person or authority is entitled under the applicable law to accept the bill;
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(c) If a bill is payable on a fixed date, presentment for acceptance must be made before or
on that date;
(d) A bill payable on demand or at a fixed period after sight must be presented for
acceptance within one year of its date;
(e) A bill in which the drawer has stated a date or time-limit for presentment for acceptance
must be presented on the stated date or within the stated time-limit.
Article 52
(1) A necessary or optional presentment for acceptance is dispensed with if:
(a) The drawee is dead, or no longer has the power freely to deal with his assets by
reason of his insolvency, or is a fictitious person, or is a person not having capacity to
incur liability on the instrument as an acceptor; or
(b) The drawee is a corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity which has
ceased to exist.
(2) A necessary presentment for acceptance is dispensed with if:
(a) A bill is payable on a fixed date, and presentment for acceptance cannot be effected
before or on that date due to circumstances which are beyond the control of the holder
and which he could neither avoid nor overcome; or
(b) A bill is payable at a fixed period after sight, and presentment for acceptance cannot
be effected within one year of its date due to circumstances which are beyond the control
of the holder and which he could neither avoid nor overcome.
(3) Subject to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this article, delay in a necessary presentment for
acceptance is excused, but presentment for acceptance is not dispensed with, if the bill is
drawn with a stipulation that it must be presented for acceptance within a stated time-limit,
and the delay in presentment for acceptance is caused by circumstances which are beyond
the control of the holder and which he could neither avoid nor overcome. When the cause of
the delay ceases to operate, presentment must be made with reasonable diligence.
Article 53
(1) If a bill which must be presented for acceptance is not so presented, the drawer, the
endorsers and their guarantors are not liable on the bill.
(2) Failure to present a bill for acceptance does not discharge the guarantor of the drawee of
liability on the bill.
Article 54
(1) A bill is considered to be dishonoured by non-acceptance:
(a) If the drawee, upon due presentment, expressly refuses to accept the bill or
acceptance cannot be obtained with reasonable diligence or if the holder cannot obtain
the acceptance to which he is entitled under this Convention;
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(b) If presentment for acceptance is dispensed with pursuant to article 52, unless the bill
is in fact accepted.
(2)
(a) If a bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance in accordance with subparagraph (a) of
paragraph (1) of this article, the holder may exercise an immediate right of recourse
against the drawer, the endorsers and their guarantors, subject to the provisions of
article 59.
(b) If a bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance in accordance with subparagraph (b) of
paragraph (1) of this article, the holder may exercise an immediate right of recourse
against the drawer, the endorsers and their guarantors.
(c) If a bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance in accordance with paragraph (1) of this
article, the holder may claim payment from the guarantor of the drawee upon any
necessary protest.
(3) If a bill payable on demand is presented for acceptance, but acceptance is refused, it is
not considered to be dishonoured by non-acceptance.
SECTION 2 PRESENTMENT FOR PAYMENT AND DISHONOUR BY NON-PAYMENT
Article 55
An instrument is duly presented for payment if it is presented in accordance with the
following rules:
(a) The holder must present the instrument to the drawee or to the acceptor or to the maker
on a business day at a reasonable hour;
(b) A note signed by two or more makers may be presented to any one of them, unless the
note clearly indicates otherwise;
(c) If the drawee or the acceptor or the maker is dead, presentment must be made to the
persons who under the applicable law are his heirs or the persons entitled to administer his
estate;
(d) Presentment for payment may be made to a person or authority other than the drawee,
the acceptor or the maker if that person or authority is entitled under the applicable law to
pay the instrument;
(e) An instrument which is not payable on demand must be presented for payment on the
date of maturity or on one of the two business days which follow;
(f) An instrument which is payable on demand must be presented for payment within one
year of its date;
(g) An instrument must be presented for payment:
(i) At the place of payment specified on the instrument; or
(ii) If no place of payment is specified, at the address of the drawee or the acceptor or
the maker indicated in the instrument; or
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(iii) If no place of payment is specified and the address of the drawee or the acceptor or
the maker is not indicated, at the principal place of business or habitual residence of the
drawee or the acceptor or the maker;
(h) An instrument which is presented at a clearing-house is duly presented for payment if the
law of the place where the clearing-house is located or the rules or customs of that clearinghouse so provide.
Article 56
(1) Delay in making presentment for payment is excused if the delay is caused by
circumstances which are beyond the control of the holder and which he could neither avoid
nor overcome. When the cause of the delay ceases to operate, presentment must be made
with reasonable diligence.
(2) Presentment for payment is dispensed with:
(a) If the drawer, an endorser or a guarantor has expressly waived presentment; such
waiver:
(i) If made on the instrument by the drawer, binds any subsequent party and benefits
any holder;
(ii) If made on the instrument by a party other than the drawer, binds only that party
but benefits any holder;
(iii) If made outside the instrument, binds only the party making it and benefits only a
holder in whose favour it was made;
(b) If an instrument is not payable on demand, and the cause of delay in making
presentment referred to in paragraph (1) of this article continues to operate beyond 30
days after maturity;
(c) If an instrument is payable on demand, and the cause of delay in making
presentment referred to in paragraph (1) of this article continues to operate beyond 30
days after the expiration of the time-limit for presentment for payment;
(d) If the drawee, the maker or the acceptor has no longer the power freely to deal with
his assets by reason of his insolvency, or is a fictitious person or a person not having
capacity to make payment, or if the drawee, the maker or the acceptor is a corporation,
partnership, association or other legal entity which has ceased to exist;
(e) If there is no place at which the instrument must be presented in accordance with
subparagraph (g) of article 55.
(3) Presentment for payment is also dispensed with as regards a bill, if the bill has been
protested for dishonour by non-acceptance.
Article 57
(1) If an instrument is not duly presented for payment, the drawer, the endorsers and their
guarantors are not liable on it.
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(2) Failure to present an instrument for payment does not discharge the acceptor, the maker
and their guarantors or the guarantor of the drawee of liability on it.
Article 58
(1) An instrument is considered to be dishonoured by non-payment:
(a) If payment is refused upon due presentment or if the holder cannot obtain the
payment to which he is entitled under this Convention;
(b) If presentment for payment is dispensed with pursuant to paragraph (2) of article 56
and the instrument is unpaid at maturity.
(2) If a bill is dishonoured by non-payment, the holder may, subject to the provisions of
article 59, exercise a right of recourse against the drawer, the endorsers and their
guarantors.
(3) If a note is dishonoured by non-payment, the holder may, subject to the provisions of
article 59, exercise a right of recourse against the endorsers and their guarantors.
SECTION 3 RECOURSE
Article 59
If an instrument is dishonoured by non-acceptance or by non-payment, the holder may
exercise a right of recourse only after the instrument has been duly protested for dishonour
in accordance with the provisions of articles 60 to 62.
A. Protest
Article 60
(1) A protest is a statement of dishonour drawn up at the place where the instrument has
been dishonoured and signed and dated by a person authorized in that respect by the law of
that place. The statement must specify:
(a) The person at whose request the instrument is protested;
(b) The place of protest; and
(c) The demand made and the answer given, if any, or the fact that the drawee or the
acceptor or the maker could not be found.
(2) A protest may be made:
(a) On the instrument or on a slip affixed thereto ("allonge"); or
(b) As a separate document, in which case it must clearly identify the instrument that has
been dishonoured.
(3) Unless the instrument stipulates that protest must be made, a protest may be replaced by
a declaration written on the instrument and signed and dated by the drawee or the acceptor
or the maker, or, in the case of an instrument domiciled with a named person for payment,
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by that named person; the declaration must be to the effect that acceptance or payment is
refused.
(4) A declaration made in accordance with paragraph (3) of this article is a protest for the
purpose of this Convention.
Article 61
Protest for dishonour of an instrument by non-acceptance or by non-payment must be made
on the day on which the instrument is dishonoured or on one of the four business days which
follow.
Article 62
(1) Delay in protesting an instrument for dishonour is excused if the delay is caused by
circumstances which are beyond the control of the holder and which he could neither avoid
nor overcome. When the cause of the delay ceases to operate, protest must be made with
reasonable diligence.
(2) Protest for dishonour by non-acceptance or by non-payment is dispensed with:
(a) If the drawer, an endorser or a guarantor has expressly waived protest; such waiver:
(i) If made on the instrument by the drawer, binds any subsequent party and benefits
any holder;
(ii) If made on the instrument by a party other than the drawer, binds only that party
but benefits-any holder;
(iii) If made outside the instrument, binds only the party making it and benefits only a
holder in whose favour it was made;
(b) If the cause of the delay in making protest referred to in paragraph (1) of this article
continues to operate beyond 30 days after the date of dishonour;
(c) As regards the drawer of a bill, if the drawer and the drawee or the acceptor are the
same person;
(d) If presentment for acceptance or for payment is dispensed with in accordance with
article 52 or paragraph (2) of article 56.
Article 63
(1) If an instrument which must be protested for non-acceptance or for non-payment is not
duly protested, the drawer, the endorsers and their guarantors are not liable on it.
(2) Failure to protest an instrument does not discharge the acceptor, the maker and their
guarantors or the guarantor of the drawee of liability on it.
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B. Notice of Dishonour
Article 64
(1) The holder, upon dishonour of an instrument by non-acceptance or by non-payment,
must give notice of such dishonour:
(a) To the drawer and the last endorser, and
(b) To all other endorsers and guarantors whose addresses the holder can ascertain on
the basis of information contained in the instrument.
(2) An endorser or a guarantor who receives notice must give notice of dishonour to the last
party preceding him and liable on the instrument.
(3) Notice of dishonour operates for the benefit of any party who has a right of recourse on
the instrument against the party notified.
Article 65
(1) Notice of dishonour may be given in any form whatever and in any terms which identify
the instrument and state that it has been dishonoured. The return of the dishonoured
instrument is sufficient notice, provided it is accompanied by a statement indicating that it
has been dishonoured.
(2) Notice of dishonour is duly given if it is communicated or sent to the party to be notified
by means appropriate in the circumstances, whether or not it is received by that party.
(3) The burden of proving that notice has been duly given rests upon the person who is
required to give such notice.
Article 66
Notice of dishonour must be given within the two business days which follow:
(a) The day of protest or, if protest is dispensed with, the day of dishonour; or
(b) The day of receipt of notice of dishonour.
Article 67
(1) Delay in giving notice of dishonour is excused if the delay is caused by circumstances
which are beyond the control of the person required to give notice, and which he could
neither avoid nor overcome. When the cause of the delay ceases to operate, notice must be
given with reasonable diligence.
(2) Notice of dishonour is dispensed with:
(a) If, after the exercise of reasonable diligence, notice cannot be given;
(b) If the drawer, an endorser or a guarantor has expressly waived notice of dishonour;
such waiver:
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(i) If made on the instrument by the drawer, binds any subsequent party and benefits
any holder;
(ii) If made on the instrument by a party other than the drawer, binds only that party
but benefits any holder;
(iii) If made outside the instrument, binds only the party making it and benefits only a
holder in whose favour it was made;
(c) As regards the drawer of the bill, if the drawer and the drawee or the acceptor are the
same person.
Article 68
If a person who is required to give notice of dishonour fails to give it to a party who is entitled
to receive it, he is liable for any damages which that party may suffer from such failure,
provided that such damages do not exceed the amount referred to in article 70 or 71.
SECTION 4 AMOUNT PAYABLE
Article 69
(1) The holder may exercise his rights on the instrument against any one party, or several or
all parties, liable on it and is not obliged to observe the order in which the parties have
become bound. Any party who takes up and pays the instrument may exercise his rights in
the same manner against parties liable to him.
(2) Proceedings against a party do not preclude proceedings against any other party,
whether or not subsequent to the party originally proceeded against.
Article 70
(1) The holder may recover from any party liable:
(a) At maturity: the amount of the instrument with interest, if interest has been stipulated
for;
(b) After maturity:
(i) The amount of the instrument with interest, if interest has been stipulated for, to
the date of maturity;
(ii) If interest has been stipulated to be paid after maturity, interest at the rate
stipulated, or, in the absence of such stipulation, interest at the rate specified in
paragraph (2) of this article, calculated from the date of presentment on the sum
specified in subparagraph (b) (i) of this paragraph;
(iii) Any expenses of protest and of the notices given by him;
(c) Before maturity:
(i) The amount of the instrument with interest, if interest has been stipulated for, to
the date of payment; or, if no interest has been stipulated for, subject to a discount
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from the date of payment to the date of maturity, calculated in accordance with
paragraph (4) of this article;
(ii) Any expenses of protest and of the notices given by him.
(2) The rate of interest shall be the rate that would be recoverable in legal proceedings taken
in the jurisdiction where the instrument is payable.
(3) Nothing in paragraph (2) of this article prevents a court from awarding damages or
compensation for additional loss caused to the holder by reason of delay in payment.
(4) The discount shall be at the official rate (discount rate) or other similar appropriate rate
effective on the date when recourse is exercised at the place where the holder has his
principal place of business, or, if he does not have a place of business his habitual
residence, or, if there is no such rate, then at such rate as is reasonable in the
circumstances.
Article 71
A party who pays an instrument and is thereby discharged in whole or in part of his liability
on the instrument may recover from the parties liable to him:
(a) The entire sum which he has paid;
(b) Interest on that sum at the rate specified in paragraph (2) of article 70, from the date on
which he made payment;
(c) Any expenses of the notices given by him.
CHAPTER VI DISCHARGE
SECTION 1 DISCHARGE BY PAYMENT
Article 72
(1) A party is discharged of liability on the instrument when he pays the holder, or a party
subsequent to himself who has paid the instrument and is in possession of it, the amount
due pursuant to article 70 or 71:
(a) At or after maturity; or
(b) Before maturity, upon dishonour by non-acceptance.
(2) Payment before maturity other than under subparagraph (b) of paragraph (1) of this
article does not discharge the party making the payment of his liability on the instrument
except in respect of the person to whom payment was made.
(3) A party is not discharged of liability if he pays a holder who is not a protected holder, or a
party who has taken up and paid the instrument, and knows at the time of payment that the
holder or that party acquired the instrument by theft or forged the signature of the payee or
an endorsee, or participated in the theft or the forgery.
(4) (a) A person receiving payment of an instrument must, unless agreed otherwise, deliver:
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(i) To the drawee making such payment, the instrument;
(ii) To any other person making such payment, the instrument, a receipted account,
and any protest.
(b) In the case of an instrument payable by instalments at successive dates, the drawee
or a party making a payment, other than payment of the last instalment, may require that
mention of such payment be made on the instrument or on a slip affixed thereto
("allonge") and that a receipt therefore be given to him.
(c) If an instrument payable by instalments at successive dates is dishonoured by nonacceptance or by non-payment as to any of its instalments and a party, upon dishonour,
pays the instalment, the holder who receives such payment must give the party a
certified copy of the instrument and any necessary authenticated protest in order to
enable such party to exercise a right on the instrument.
(d) The person from whom payment is demanded may withhold payment if the person
demanding payment does not deliver the instrument to him. Withholding payment in
these circumstances does not constitute dishonour by non-payment under article 58.
(e) If payment is made but the person paying, other than the drawee, fails to obtain the
instrument, such person is discharged but the discharge cannot be set up as a defence
against a protected holder to whom the instrument has been subsequently transferred.
Article 73
(1) The holder is not obliged to take partial payment.
(2) If the holder who is offered partial payment does not take it, the instrument is
dishonoured by non-payment.
(3) If the holder takes partial payment from the drawee, the guarantor of the drawee, or the
acceptor or the maker:
(a) The guarantor of the drawee, or the acceptor or the maker is discharged of his liability
on the instrument to the extent of the amount paid; and
(b) The instrument is to be considered as dishonoured by non-payment as to the amount
unpaid.
(4) If the holder takes partial payment from a party to the instrument other than the acceptor,
the maker or the guarantor of the drawee:
(a) The party making payment is discharged of his liability on the instrument to the extent
of the amount paid; and
(b) The holder must give such party a certified copy of the instrument and any necessary
authenticated protest in order to enable such party to exercise a right on the instrument.
(5) The drawee or a party making partial payment may require that mention of such payment
be made on the instrument and that a receipt therefor be given to him.
(6) If the balance is paid, the person who receives it and who is in possession of the
instrument must deliver to the payor the receipted instrument and any authenticated protest.
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Article 74
(1) The holder may refuse to take payment at a place other than the place where the
instrument was presented for payment in accordance with article 55.
(2) In such case if payment is not made at the place where the instrument was presented for
payment in accordance with article 55, the instrument is considered to be dishonoured by
non-payment.
Article 75
(1) An instrument must be paid in the currency in which the sum payable is expressed.
(2) If the sum payable is expressed in a monetary unit of account within the meaning of
subparagraph (1) of article 5 and the monetary unit of account is transferable between the
person making payment and the person receiving it, then, unless the instrument specifies a
currency of payment, payment shall be made by transfer of monetary units of account. If the
monetary unit of account is not transferable between those persons, payment shall be made
in the currency specified in the instrument or, if no such currency is specified, in the currency
of the place of payment.
(3) The drawer or the maker may indicate in the instrument that it must be paid in a specified
currency other than the currency in which the sum payable is expressed. In that case:
(a) The instrument must be paid in the currency so specified;
(b) The amount payable is to be calculated according to the rate of exchange indicated in
the instrument. Failing such indication, the amount payable is to be calculated according
to the rate of exchange for sight drafts (or, if there is no such rate, according to the
appropriate established rate of exchange) on the date of maturity:
(i) Ruling at the place where the instrument must be presented for payment in
accordance with subparagraph (g) of article 55, if the specified currency is that of that
place (local currency); or
(ii) If the specified currency is not that of that place, according to the usages of the
place where the instrument must be presented for payment in accordance with
subparagraph (g) of article 55;
(c) If such an instrument is dishonoured by non-acceptance, the amount payable is to be
calculated:
(i) If the rate of exchange is indicated in the instrument, according to that rate;
(ii) If no rate of exchange is indicated in the instrument, at the option of the holder,
according to the rate of exchange ruling on the date of dishonour or on the date of
actual payment;
(d) If such an instrument is dishonoured by non-payment, the amount payable is to be
calculated:
(i) If the rate of exchange is indicated in the instrument, according to that rate;
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(ii) If no rate of exchange is indicated in the instrument, at the option of the holder,
according to the rate of exchange ruling on the date of maturity or on the date of
actual payment.
(4) Nothing in this article prevents a court from awarding damages for loss caused to the
holder by reason of fluctuations in rates of exchange if such loss is caused by dishonour for
non-acceptance or by non-payment.
(5) The rate of exchange ruling at a certain date is the rate of exchange ruling, at the option
of the holder, at the place where the instrument must be presented for payment in
accordance with subparagraph (g) of article 55 or at the place of actual payment.
Article 76
(1) Nothing in this Convention prevents a Contracting State from enforcing exchange control
regulations applicable in its territory and its provisions relating to the protection of its
currency, including regulations which it is bound to apply by virtue of international
agreements to which it is a party.
(2)
(a) If, by virtue of the application of paragraph (1) of this article, an instrument drawn in a
currency which is not that of the place of payment must be paid in local currency, the
amount payable is to be calculated according to the rate of exchange for sight drafts (or,
if there is no such rate, according to the appropriate established rate of exchange) on the
date of presentment ruling at the place where the instrument must be presented for
payment in accordance with subparagraph (g) of article 55.
(b)
(i) If such an instrument is dishonoured by non-acceptance, the amount payable is to
be calculated, at the option of the holder, at the rate of exchange ruling on the date of
dishonour or on the date of actual payment.
(ii) If such an instrument is dishonoured by non-payment, the amount is to be
calculated, at the option of the holder, according to the rate of exchange ruling on the
date of presentment or on the date of actual payment.
(iii) Paragraphs (4) and (5) of article 75 are applicable where appropriate.
SECTION 2 DISCHARGE OF OTHER PARTIES
Article 77
(1) If a party is discharged in whole or in part of his liability on the instrument, any party who
has a right on the instrument against him is discharged to the same extent.
(2) Payment by the drawee of the whole or a part of the amount of a bill to the holder, or to
any party who takes up and pays the bill, discharges all parties of their liability to the same
extent, except where the drawee pays a holder who is not a protected holder, or a party who
has taken up and paid the bill, and knows at the time of payment that the holder or that party
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acquired the bill by theft or forged the signature of the payee or an endorsee, or participated
in the theft or the forgery.
CHAPTER VII LOST INSTRUMENTS
Article 78
(1) If an instrument is lost, whether by destruction, theft or otherwise, the person who lost the
instrument has, subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this article, the same right to
payment which he would have had if he had been in possession of the instrument. The party
from whom payment is claimed cannot set up as a defence against liability on the instrument
the fact that the person claiming payment is not in possession of the instrument.
(2)
(a) The person claiming payment of a lost instrument must state in writing to the party
from whom he claims payment:
(i) The elements of the lost instrument pertaining to the requirements set forth in
paragraph (1) or (2) of articles 1, 2 and 3; for this purpose the person claiming
payment of the lost instrument may present to that party a copy of that instrument;
(ii) The facts showing that, if he had been in possession of the instrument, he would
have had a right to payment from the party from whom payment is claimed;
(iii) The facts which prevent production of the instrument.
(b) The party from whom payment of a lost instrument is claimed may require the person
claiming payment to give security in order to indemnify him for any loss which he may
suffer by reason of the subsequent payment of the lost instrument.
(c) The nature of the security and its terms are to be determined by agreement between
the person claiming payment and the party from whom payment is claimed. Failing such
an agreement, the court may determine whether security is called for and, if so, the
nature of the security and its terms.
(d) If the security cannot be given, the court may order the party from whom payment is
claimed to deposit the sum of the lost instrument, and any interest and expenses which
may be claimed under article 70 or 71, with the court or any other competent authority or
institution, and may determine the duration of such deposit. Such deposit is to be
considered as payment to the person claiming payment.
Article 79
(1) A party who has paid a lost instrument and to whom the instrument is subsequently
presented for payment by another person must give notice of such presentment to the
person whom he paid.
(2) Such notice must be given on the day the instrument is presented or on one of the two
business days which follow and must state the name of the person presenting the instrument
and the date and place of presentment.
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(3) Failure to give notice renders the party who has paid the lost instrument liable for any
damages which the person whom he paid may suffer from such failure, provided that the
damages do not exceed the amount referred to in article 70 or 71.
(4) Delay in giving notice is excused when the delay is caused by circumstances which are
beyond the control of the person who has paid the lost instrument and which he could
neither avoid nor overcome. When the cause of the delay ceases to operate, notice must be
given with reasonable diligence.
(5) Notice is dispensed with when the cause of delay in giving notice continues to operate
beyond 30 days after the last day on which it should have been given.
Article 80
(1) A party who has paid a lost instrument in accordance with the provisions of article 78 and
who is subsequently required to, and does, pay the instrument, or who, by reason of the loss
of the instrument, then loses his right to recover from any party liable to him, has the right:
(a) If security was given, to realize the security; or
(b) If an amount was deposited with the court or other competent authority or institution,
to reclaim the amount so deposited.
(2) The person who has given security in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (b)
of paragraph (2) of article 78 is entitled to obtain release of the security when the party for
whose benefit the security was given is no longer at risk to suffer loss because of the fact
that the instrument is lost.
Article 81
For the purpose of making protest for dishonour by non-payment, a person claiming
payment of a lost instrument may use a written statement that satisfies the requirements of
subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of article 78.
Article 82
A person receiving payment of a lost instrument in accordance with article 78 must deliver to
the party paying the written statement required under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of
article 78, receipted by him, and any protest and a receipted account.
Article 83
(1) A party who pays a lost instrument in accordance with article 78 has the same rights
which he would have had if he had been in possession of the instrument.
(2) Such party may exercise his rights only if he is in possession of the receipted written
statement referred to in article 82.
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CHAPTER VIII LIMITATION (PRESCRIPTION)
Article 84
(1) A right of action arising on an instrument may no longer be exercised after four years
have elapsed:
(a) Against the maker, or his guarantor, of a note payable on demand, from the date of
the note;
(b) Against the acceptor or the maker or their guarantor of an instrument payable at a
definite time, from the date of maturity;
(c) Against the guarantor of the drawee of a bill payable at a definite time, from the date
of maturity or, if the bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance, from the date of protest for
dishonour or, where protest is dispensed with, from the date of dishonour;
(d) Against the acceptor of a bill payable on demand or his guarantor, from the date on
which it was accepted or, if no such date is shown, from the date of the bill;
(e) Against the guarantor of the drawee of a bill payable on demand, from the date on
which he signed the bill or, if no such date is shown, from the date of the bill;
(f) Against the drawer or an endorser or their guarantor, from the date of protest for
dishonour by non-acceptance or by non-payment or, where protest is dispensed with,
from the date of dishonour.
(2) A party who pays the instrument in accordance with article 70 or 71 may exercise his
right of action against a party liable to him within one year from the date on which he paid
the instrument.
CHAPTER IX FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 85
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is hereby designated as the depositary for this
Convention.
Article 86
(1) This Convention is open for signature by all States at the Headquarters of the United
Nations, New York until 30 June 1990.
(2) This Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by the signatory States.
(3) This Convention is open for accession by all States which are not signatory States as
from the date it is open for signature.
(4) Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval and accession are to be deposited with
the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
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Article 87
(1) If a Contracting State has two or more territorial units in which, according to its
constitution, different systems of law are applicable in relation to the matters dealt with in this
Convention, it may, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession,
declare that this Convention is to extend to all its territorial units or only to one or more of
them, and may amend its declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.
(2) These declarations are to be notified to the depositary and are to state expressly the
territorial units to which the Convention extends.
(3) If a Contracting State makes no declaration under paragraph (1) of this article, the
Convention is to extend to all territorial units of that State.
Article 88
(1) Any State may declare at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession that its courts will apply the Convention only if both the place indicated in the
instrument where the bill is drawn, or the note is made, and the place of payment indicated
in the instrument are situated in Contracting States.
(2) No other reservations are permitted.
Article 89
(1) This Convention enters into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of
twelve months after the date of deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession.
(2) When a State ratifies, accepts, approves or accedes to this Convention after the deposit
of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, this Convention
enters into force in respect of that State on the first day of the month following the expiration
of twelve months after the date of deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession.
Article 90
(1) A Contracting State may denounce this Convention by a formal notification in writing
addressed to the depositary.
(2) The denunciation takes effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of six
months after the notification is received by the depositary. Where a longer period for the
denunciation to take effect is specified in the notification, the denunciation takes effect upon
the expiration of such longer period after the notification is received by the depositary. The
Convention remains applicable to instruments drawn or made before the date at which the
denunciation takes effect.
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DONE at New York, this ninth day of December, one thousand nine hundred and eightyseven in a single original, of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and
Spanish texts are equally authentic.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized by their
respective Governments, have signed this Convention.
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